The 1994-95 season was shortened to 48 games because of a 103-day lockout. The season began on Jan. 20 and ended on May 3, with the Stanley Cup being awarded on June 24. The NHL won’t have the playoffs go into July, therefore this season must start around the same time the 1995 season did, at the latest.

The league has already canceled the All-Star game, the Winter Classic and now a total of 526 games—about 43 percent of the schedule.

However, according to TSN.ca, the break in CBA negotiations is almost over, as talks are set to resume on Wednesday.

On Thursday evening there was a short period of time when fans had reason to believe the NHL and NHLPA were close to a deal. Donald Fehr appeared optimistic at his press conference, only to return to the podium minutes later with news that the league had rejected their proposal.

Later, Bettman and Bill Daly stood at the same podium, shocked that Fehr had described the two sides as being so close to an agreement.

Daly outlined the key parts of the league’s proposal that the two sides weren't agreeing on. Those being a 10-year CBA, a five-year limit on contracts for free agents and no compliance buyouts.

With the two sides getting back to the bargaining table, there is at least a small bit of hope that a deal can be reached in time to save the season.